Patriots Place Second in PAISAA Tournament

CONSHOHOCKEN — The Germantown Academy field hockey team came into Wednesday’s PAISAA Final against Notre Dame De Namur looking for their first win against the Irish this season. After 60 minutes however, it was Notre Dame walking off of the field with a 10-2 win.

“I thought that we really just didn’t play our game,” Head Coach Jackie Connard ’06 said. “It would’ve been nice to know how it would’ve shook out if we had played our best game.”

The Irish have been a thorn in the side of the Patriots this year, beating them in all three of their meetings. While the previous experience against Notre Dame was helpful, it just was not enough to get the Patriots over the hump.

“They’re just so quick,” Connard said. “Their forward line is so quick. We don’t have the speed in our defensive end. If we pull some of our faster players back then we don’t have the power in our offensive end.”

Notre Dame found a rhythm early in the match, registering eight corners and four goals in the first half. GA was only able to earn one corner.

The second half was a different story for the Patriots, who were able to work the ball into Irish territory and get scoring opportunities.

“I think we were just focused on smaller passes and keeping the ball in our end,” midfielder Madeline Cooper ’18 said. “We calmed down, were talking more and were getting back on defense.”

The Patriots registered both of their goals in the second stanza. Sophia Towne ’21 scored first for GA with 17:40 left in the game, while Copper added a tally six minutes later.

Earning corners also became easier for Germantown Academy, as they racked up seven in the second half. Unfortunately, Notre Dame’s offense did not go away. The Irish tallied six second half goals, ensuring a victory.

Although the team may have not claimed first place in the tournament, it does not mean that the season was unsuccessful.

“I told the girls before the game today how big of an accomplishment it was just to be here,” Connard said. “It was the first time in, I think, 10 years that we’ve been in the finals, first time in 10 years that we’ve beaten Episcopal. I’m really proud of this team.”

Cooper echoed her coach’s feelings, and feels that the team will continue to be successful moving forward.

“I think we did great because we were a really young team,” Cooper said. “I think the team is going to be strong next year if they can continue to keep up the intensity and believe in themselves. A lot of girls improved this year and should come out strong next season.”

The Patriots finish the year with a 14-6 overall record (6-4 in Inter-Ac league play).